The Local Maximum with Max Sklar

Our discussion on 9/11 continues with memories of that day, the immediate aftermath, and the rebuilding of ground zero as the new world trade center and oculus. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

On the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Max and Aaron have a 2 part discussion to combine personal recollections with some light historical research. This part covers the key differences between life and the news cycle in 2000-2001 and today along with personal experiences leading up to the morning of September 11th. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Today's news update covers OpenAI's Demo where they showed how a natural language interface could be used to write code. What does this mean, and where will it be useful? We also cover the walkout of tech journalists at the New York Times, and people talking about their failed tech predictions on Twitter. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Today's news update goes international to talk about the intersection between technology and global events. Cubans are using Bitcoin to go around their country's insane currency system. OnlyFans bans porn to placate banks in the UK. In Afghanistan, the last remaining Jewish residence refuses to leave the country as the Taliban come in. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Max talks to Benjamin Shaffer about a new product called Goldbacks, which are bills that can fit in your wallet and are made of gold. This innovation allows people to transact in small denominations of gold. They discuss how this fits in with our changing monetary system of fiat and bitcoin. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Max talks about a video on anti-Semitism by professor Henry Abramson getting censored on YouTube, the meaning of academic freedom, and the fight over Bitcoin and crypto regulations in the US Senate. Then, he proposes a new personal security device that may one day be ubiquitous. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Max and Aaron discuss Facebook's plan to develop a metaverse, and Max shares his thoughts and theories on our number system Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Max talks about a concept in game theory called a Focal Point. Also, looking at US history, talks about ways in which written constitutions can succeed or fail. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Patricia Thaine, CEO of Private AI, talks to Max about using AI for redaction, and preserving privacy. Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe

Today's discussion centers around the space race among privately owner companies. This includes Richard Branson's first voyage to with virgin galactic. Also - the proposed flying car! Get full access to The Local Maximum at localmaximum.substack.com/subscribe